Kuwaiti Winger Eid Al-Rashidi Returns From Iraq After Embassy Evacuation Order
Kuwaiti winger Eid Al-Rashidi returned to Kuwait after the Kuwaiti Embassy in Baghdad ordered his evacuation amid regional instability, Arab Times reported on March 20. The decision was made to ensure the 27-year-old’s safety while sports activities across Kuwait were suspended and governing bodies postponed several competitions. His agent confirmed the return had been coordinated with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, where Al-Rashidi plays on loan, with resumption dependent on improved conditions.
In a post on his personal X account shortly after arriving, Al-Rashidi expressed relief and gratitude for the embassy’s intervention. “Praise is to God for my return to my homeland. I was evacuated by order of the Kuwaiti Embassy, and I sincerely thank them,” he wrote. He added, “We pray for stability in the region and hope the situation calms soon so I can return to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and continue my journey with the club.” Agent Dagheem Al-Rashidi told Arab Times that the evacuation aligned with club arrangements and that the player would rejoin the squad once it is safe to do so.
Al-Rashidi, who was born on May 25, 1999, in Kuwait City according to Wikipedia, became the first Kuwaiti to compete professionally in the Iraqi league when he moved on loan from Qadsia SC in January. Transfermarkt figures show the deal was valued at approximately $140,000 split between the player and his former club. Since joining Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya he has contributed one goal and three assists in seven consecutive league victories for the side.
The player’s integration into the squad has been aided by his previous connection with Nigerian forward Daniel Gibbola from their time together at Qadsia as well as a productive partnership with Omani striker Issam Al-Subhi. Omani coach Rashid Jaber has also guided the rapid adjustment, according to details provided to Arab Times. Upon signing, Al-Rashidi had described Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya as a big team with a distinguished history that offered him a strong professional challenge.
The evacuation occurred against the backdrop of a nationwide suspension of sports activities in Kuwait triggered by the same regional tensions. Reuters reported on April 9 that authorities decided to prolong the shutdown after a government committee evaluated ongoing Middle East conflict and associated security risks. The measure halted club training sessions and affected players across multiple disciplines.
Both the Asian Football Confederation and the Gulf Football Federation postponed all scheduled competitions until further notice, Arab Times noted. Affected fixtures included the Asian Challenge League quarterfinal between Kuwait and Oman’s Al-Shabab, the Gulf Club Champions Cup semifinal pitting Al-Qadsia against Al-Rayyan, and various AFC Champions League matches. Later updates from local authorities indicated that clubs could resume training from April 26 once conditions were reassessed.
